Bahraini security forces continued blockade on Sitra Island, south of Manama, for the ninth consecutive day, as the ruling Al-Khalifa regime has stepped up its crackdown on the opposition, local media said on Wednesday.

In response to regular protests in Sitra, the Manama regime is preventing the passage of the islanders across the only bridge of the island.

Over the last days, the regime’s security forces have mounted numerous attacks on people’s homes in Sitra and arrested dozens of them, local sources said.

In the meantime, the Bahraini army is seeking to intimidate protestors by stepping up military patrols and flying choppers over the district.

Bahrain, a staunch ally of the US in the Persian Gulf region, has been witnessing almost daily protests against the ruling Al Khalifa dynasty since early 2011, with Manama using heavy-handed measures in an attempt to crush the demonstrations.

Scores of Bahrainis have been killed and hundreds of others injured and arrested in the ongoing crackdown on the peaceful demonstrations.

Troops from Saudi Arabia have been also deployed to Bahrain to assist in its crackdown on the peaceful protesters.